Chapter 17: Thirteen

Rathore's VengeanceWords: 10341

Abhimanyu was getting ready for the office when a loud voice echoed through the mansion.

"I’m back!" the girl shouted as she entered. Misha and Arthi exchanged puzzled glances. The girl, smiling widely, approached them.

"You two are my bhabhis, right?" she asked, her excitement palpable as she stood before them.

"You two are perfect for this mansion!" she continued, her enthusiasm barely contained. Misha and Arthi looked at each other, eyebrows raised in confusion.

"God, I already like you both!" she said, her excitement getting the better of her. She hugged both Misha and Arthi, startling them. Just then, a voice called out.

"Isha, when did you get here?" Aavyan said, coming down the stairs with a grin. Isha turned and ran to him, enveloping him in a tight hug.

"Aavyan Bhai, how are you?" she asked, squeezing him. He hugged her back, then looked at Misha and Arthi, who were still trying to make sense of the situation. Aavyan sighed, glancing at Isha, who shrugged playfully.

"You just arrived and already started with your antics," Aavyan said, shaking his head in disbelief. Isha made a playful face at him.

"Misha Bhabhi and Arthi Bhabhi," Aavyan said, turning to them.

"This is Isha, the youngest daughter of our parents and our sister." Isha beamed at them.

"Let me introduce myself," Isha said warmly.

"I’m Isha Rathore, the youngest daughter of the Rathore family and, of course, the most adorable person in this entire mansion." Misha and Arthi couldn’t help but smile at her charm.

"I’m Misha," Misha said with a friendly smile.

"I’m Arthi," Arthi added, offering her own smile. Isha’s expression shifted to a mock expression.

"What, bhabhis? You’re not going to give me a hug?" she asked, making them exchange amused glances. Misha and Arthi hugged her, and Arthi even ruffled her hair.

"You just arrived and already started your drama," Aavyan said, looking away as Isha stuck her tongue out at him.

"Isha, beta," Abhimanyu called, descending the stairs while adjusting his coat. His eyes widened in surprise upon seeing his younger sister, who had been abroad for her studies in business management.

"Abhimanyu Bhai!" Isha exclaimed, rushing to him and hugging him tightly. He returned the hug, smiling warmly.

"How is my little baby?" Abhimanyu asked, pinching her cheeks affectionately. Misha stumbled slightly, taken aback by the display of familial affection.

"I’m great!" Isha said, her smile wide.

"Isha!" Arnav called out as he came there with his wheelchair into the room. Isha’s face lit up even more.

"Arnav Bhai!" she exclaimed, hugging him with equal enthusiasm. They embraced for a minute before Arnav released her, smiling.

"How’s my baby sister?" Arnav asked.

"As always, fine,"  Isha replied with a grin.

"How were your exams?" Arnav inquired seriously, his expression turning earnest. Isha’s face grew bored, and Aavyan chuckled softly.

"Arnav Bhai, do you have to ask about the exams now?" Isha said with a touch of irritation.

"She’s going to top them, right?" Aavyan teased, his tone mocking. Isha shot him a glare, and he laughed.

"Yes, I did well in the exams," Isha confirmed, smiling at Arnav. He nodded approvingly.

"Isha, why didn’t you let us know you were coming back?" Abhimanyu asked, a frown on his face.

"I wanted to surprise you all!" Isha said, her excitement undiminished.

"Beta, you must be tired from traveling. Go freshen up and rest," Abhimanyu advised with a kind smile. Isha nodded in agreement.

"I’ll see you both later, Bhabhi," Isha said, smiling at Misha and Arthi before heading towards her room.

Abhimanyu glanced at the breakfast Misha had served him. She avoided his gaze, and he sighed, finishing his meal quietly before getting up to leave.

"I’m back!" a cheerful voice echoed through the mansion as a girl walked in. Misha and Arthi exchanged confused looks once again.

"Ishani, when did you arrive?" Abhimanyu asked with a wide smile, clearly pleased to see his second sister back as well.

"Just now, Abhimanyu Bhai," Ishani replied, hugging him tightly.

"How are you, dear?" Arnav asked warmly, his smile full of affection as Ishani moved to embrace him.

"I’m fine, Arnav Bhai," Ishani responded, hugging him as he gently patted her cheek with care.

"Ishani, I thought you weren’t coming," Aavyan said as he approached her.

"I had to come," Ishani replied with a warm smile, embracing him as well. The siblings shared a moment of joy, their smiles reflecting the bond they shared.

"Ishani!" Isha’s voice rang out as she hurried downstairs, immediately enveloping her sister in a tight hug, nearly causing Ishani to stumble.

"Isha, you almost knocked me over!" Ishani exclaimed, raising an eyebrow at her younger sister.

"That’s just how I show I care," Isha replied with a mischievous grin. Ishani shook her head in disbelief.

"What did you bring me?" Isha asked, her eyes twinkling with anticipation, causing the others to chuckle at her eagerness.

"Isha Rathore, that’s my question for you!" Ishani countered, crossing her arms.

"You’re the one who just got back from abroad, not me. You should have brought me a gift," Ishani teased, smiling as Isha made a face and turned away in mock annoyance.

"Alright, leave her be, Ishani. Let me introduce you to our bhabhis," Aavyan said, gesturing towards Misha and Arthi, who were watching the exchange with a mix of confusion and amusement. Isha quickly moved to stand beside Ishani before Aavyan could get there.

"Misha Bhabhi and Arthi Bhabhi," Isha said with a grin, standing beside Ishani. Aavyan shot her a glare while Abhimanyu and Arnav chuckled.

"This is Ishani Rathore, our second youngest sister. And she’s boring," Isha added with a playful smirk, causing Ishani to look at her in disbelief while Misha and Arthi smiled.

"I’m Misha," Misha introduced herself, smiling as Ishani hugged her warmly.

"And I’m Arthi," Arthi said, returning Ishani’s embrace with a kind smile.

"Bhabhis, I’m Ishani Rathore, the second youngest daughter. And for the record, I’m not boring," Ishani said with a smile, casting a mock glare at Isha, who simply grinned, causing Misha and Arthi to chuckle.

"How was the exam, Ishani?" Arnav asked in his usual cold tone, cutting through the light atmosphere.

"I did well, Arnav Bhai," Ishani replied confidently, and Arnav nodded in approval.

"Go get some rest, Ishani," Abhimanyu said, his tone gentle. And Ishani went from there with Isha towards her room.

Abhimanyu looked at Misha who looking at him with disbelief and Abhimanyu knew why is she surprised and Abhimanyu fixed his coat and went from there.

Misha and Arthi were relaxing in the garden, engaged in conversation, when Isha appeared with her charming smile.

"Bhabhis, what are you up to?" Isha asked as she took a seat across from Misha and Arthi, who greeted her with warm smiles.

"We’re just talking," Misha replied with a friendly smile.

"I’m really sorry I couldn’t make it to the weddings," Isha said apologetically, her expression sincere. Misha and Arthi exchanged understanding glances.

"Don’t worry about it," Arthi reassured her with a smile.

"We understand that being abroad and dealing with exams must have been challenging." Misha said with a warm smile understanding.

"we know it’s not easy," Misha added warmly. Isha engaged in lively conversation with them, sharing stories from her life. Her vibrant personality and antics soon had Misha and Arthi laughing, confirming that she was indeed as adorable as she had seemed.

"Ishani-where is she?" Misha asked, noticing Ishani’s absence since her return.

"Ishani is in her room," Isha said, gesturing vaguely. "She’s not very talkative and tends to stay in her room most of the time. She’s a bit of a mystery."

Misha and Arthi nodded in understanding.

"She only really interacts with the brothers and Dad," Isha continued, a hint of seriousness in her tone before she chuckled. "Don’t worry. Once she gets to know you both, she’ll talk."

"Let her take her time," Misha said with a reassuring smile, and Arthi nodded in agreement.

"You had your exams, right? How did they go?" Arthi asked cautiously. Isha sighed, her expression turning reflective.

"Bhabhi, not you too," Isha said with a resigned look. "I’d rather not talk about those exams. They were a mess, and even though I did well, I’m still not sure of the results."

"I understand," Arthi said with a warm smile. "We won’t press the issue."

"That’s great," Isha said with a sigh of relief. She was confident she had performed well, she will definitely top from last of the list, but was trying not to dwell on it until the results were in. She appreciated Arthi’s understanding.

After their conversation, they headed back into the mansion.

Hrudhay, who had returned from a business trip, was meeting his daughters. He approached Isha first.

"Beta, how are you?"  he asked, his voice filled with affection. Isha smiled, though a hint of apprehension remained in her eyes.

"I’m great, Dad," she replied, and Hrudhay nodded, then turned to Ishani.

"Ishani, how are you? I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you returned," Hrudhay said warmly, his smile genuine. Ishani’s smile remained, but her eyes revealed deeper emotions.

"I’m fine, Bade Pa," Ishani said, her tone warm and reassuring. Hrudhay gently caressed her head, showing his deep care for her. Although Ishani was his niece and not his biological daughter, Hrudhay’s concern for her was evident. He wanted her to feel as much a part of the family as possible, especially since her own parents were no longer around. Isha doesn’t mind the extra care Ishani receives; in fact, she is particularly protective of her. The Rathore brothers also show great concern for Ishani, with Abhimanyu and Arnav being especially attentive. Although Ekansh is particularly vigilant over Isha, ensuring her safety, he also cares deeply for Ishani. Aavyan, on the other hand, shows equal care and affection for both sisters.

Ishani is typically quiet and often stays in her room, but she behaves differently with her family. While Isha and Ekansh find her mysterious, they don't let it affect their care towards her.

"It’s late now. You should get some rest," Hrudhay said gently. Ishani nodded and left for her room, Isha also left from there towards her room.